The Union County High School football team suffered from early season struggles in their first jamboree, as the Yellow Jackets fell victim to Clinton’s big plays in a 12 - 7 loss Friday night.

The Clinton Red Devils broke a long rushing play to set-up a 15-yard off tackle run for a quick 7-0 lead. After the Red Devils scored once more to make it 12-0, the Yellow Jackets' defense decided to step it up and put points on the board. Senior linebacker — John Simmons Fallaw — scooped the Red Devils’ fumble and carried it in to the end zone for six points. After the successful PAT, the Jackets trailed by only five points.

Union County — down 12-7 — tried an onside kick but could not retrieve the ball to give the Red Devils possession with only minutes remaining in the game.

The Jackets fought hard against CHS,

“We kept playing hard and tried the onside kick after scoring. We battled,” head coach David Lipsey said about his team’s effort.

Defensively, the Jackets looked strong and gave fans a glimpse of potential. This Jackets’ defense has an natural instinct of aggressiveness and a knack for finding the ball. The defense scored Union County’s only touchdown in the game.

On offense, the Yellow Jackets turned the ball over several times Friday night and struggled getting any sustainable drives.

The Jackets' offense is young and maturing with every competition and the next challenge will take place in Union County today vs. Chesnee.

“Right now, our offense is incosistent. We’ll keep working, though,” Lipsey said.

Friday night, Quarterback Keiston Smith showed signs of greatness against the defending 3A state champions. And other times — the first-year starter — made some rookie mistakes. Smith will grow with every game as he settles in to the new role.

Today, UCHS’s varsity and junior varsity teams will face off against Chesnee at 6 p.m. at UCHS.

The next step

Jamborees offer coaches a great chance to evaluate and modify before the games that really count. Although the scoreboard reads a defeat it only strengthens a team. Tough non-region competition prepares a team and adds to its edurance. A team with a relaxed schedule is the team that suffers when the competition rises late in the season. By the time UCHS begins region play the Yellow Jackets have stood against the toughest in the state. Spartanburg, Gaffney, Laurens and Woodruff traditionally win ball games and championships.

And if the Jackets want wins early in the season, they will need to secure the ball on offense and be in position on defense.

The Yellow Jackets next battle will take place at the Union County Stadium Friday in the Union County Scrimmage There will be four 24-minute games between Woodruff, Spartanburg, Mid-Carolina and Union County.

Friday’s games

(JV) Woodruff vs.

Spartanburg 6:30 p.m.

(V) Woodruff vs.

Spartanburg 7 p.m.

(JV) Mid-Carolina vs.

Union County 7:30 p.m.

(V) Mid-Carolina vs.

Union County 8 p.m.